Critical Northwest Community Garden

ABOUT CRITICAL

What is Critical Northwest, anyways?

Critical is an official Burning Man regional event, sponsored by Ignition Northwest.

Come join us for a week-long camping event that brings the principles of Burning Man to Granite Falls in the Pacific Northwest. Every summer we gather together to embrace the spirit and vision of the playa as we build something new right here in the woods and mountains of home.

The theme this year, Community Garden, helps us plant the seeds of resilience through the cultivation of connection and creativity.

Rooted in the principles of Communal Effort and Radical Inclusion, we gather to support and enrich one another with our unique strengths and talents.

Together we bloom into a vibrant community, where each individual’s contribution helps us flourish as a whole.

Burning Man
Ignition Northwest
Community Garden Tents

THE TEN PRINCIPLES

Plus one with with a local twist.

Consent

We believe in consent in all things. It is the foundation on which all other principles stand. Only when we respect the rights of all people can we create an atmosphere that is truly radically inclusive.

Radical Inclusion

Anyone may be a part of our community. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our organization.

Gifting

Our community is devoted to acts of giving – the value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.

Decommodification

In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.

Radical Self-reliance

Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on their inner resources.

Radical Self-expression

Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.

Communal Effort

Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.

Civic Responsibility

We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state and federal laws.

Leaving No Trace

Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them.

Participation

Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.

Immediacy

Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Let’s be awesome together.

Conduct is expected to be of the highest standards and must at all times be appropriate for a family setting. The following are strictly prohibited and may result in expulsion from the grounds and/or revocation of ticket:

  • Unwanted, harassing or inappropriately lewd behavior or language
    Over-intoxication
  • Use of illegal substances
  • Any conduct that is criminal
  • Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening injury or damage of another person or their property
  • Use of firearms or fireworks
  • Photography or video camera use without permission
  • Transphobic, Homophobic, Sexist, Ableist, Racist, or Hateful actions, threats, or acts against any person
  • Ignition Northwest / Critical Northwest, at their sole discretion, reserve the right to revoke the ticket of and/or require any person to vacate the premises for reasons of nuisance, improper conduct or other rule violations, without refund of ticket fees.

Don’t forget to check out Ignition NW’s Code of Conduct as well.

INW’s Code of Conduct

NEWS

Keep informed with the latest Critical updates.
Feb202025
Newsletter Critical Northwest -Community Garden

Introducing: The New Critical Theme & SMS Messaging

This year’s theme for Critical Northwest is Community Garden, where creativity and connection blossom through collective effort and inclusion. In addition, an opt-in SMS messaging system is being introduced for easier access to event updates, allowing participants to receive key information directly via text, reducing reliance on email or social media.

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PRODUCTION

This year’s team.
samofsorts
Sam of Sorts

Design Co-Lead

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Reboot

Producer

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spacecat
Spacecat

Communications Co-Lead

E-mail
Mechem
Mechem

Associate Producer

E-mail
skipper
Skipper

Associate Producer

E-mail
bethstar
Bethstar

Mentor

E-mail
tato
Tato

Design Co-Lead

E-mail
rara
RaRa

Artist Support & Grants Co-Lead

E-mail
Jesse Bernoudy
Jesse Bernoudy

Exodus/LNT Co-Lead

E-mail
cauliflowerhead
Rachel Lavender

Artist Support & Grants Co-Lead

E-mail
Beaver Boi
BeaverBoi

ThunderCarts Co-Lead

E-mail
deke
Deke

Technology Co-Lead

E-mail
Magic Mark

Power Co-Lead

E-mail
Tom
Tom

Power Co-Lead

E-mail
Hellcat
Hellcat

Communications Co-Lead

E-mail
Time Loop
Timeloop

Rangers Co-Lead

E-mail
cauliflowerhead
British Blue

Associate Producer

E-mail
Cake
Cake

Associate Producer

E-mail
cauliflowerhead
Mokie

Spacement Co-Lead

E-mail
walrus
Walrus

Gate Co-Lead

E-mail
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PHOTO GALLERIES

Check out a collection of our favorite community photographers.
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CONTACT US

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